Top Chicago Attractions: Worth it or Not?

There are a lot of Chicago attractions but they are not all created equal. Some of them are worth the hype and some truly are not. We have drafted our list of the top Chicago attractions and whether they’re worth a visit or whether they’re not. And when they are not, we have suggested a great Chicago alternative that is more worth your time and money. Chicago has so much to offer you may never experience it all; better to spend your time visiting only the best of it.

Willis Tower: Not Worth It

We often joke with family that we are willing to drop them off at the Willis Tower but refuse to go up it again. We have both been up multiple times with visitors and with kids on our previous jobs so any excitement from it has completely worn off. We have also both experienced extensive wait times to get to the top although it really depends on what day you visit. Ultimately, it’s a lot of messing about for a grand total of fifteen minutes of enjoyment. You really won’t be interested in spending much more time up there. Once you have walked around and seen the views you have seen them. There is of course the sky deck where you can step out into the glass boxes and look down on the street but that will involve yet another wait in line. For us, who are somewhat heights adverse, it’s more anxiety causing than thrilling. And of course, don’t forget your final wait to ride the elevator back down again.

Alternative: Helicopter Tour

If you are really looking for the best views of Chicago, Helicopter tour is the only way to go. Not only will you see Willis Tower, but all of Chicago’s other attractions as well. Sure, its more expensive then a trip up Willis Tower but it’s a once in a lifetime viewing experience. We booked it for a special occasion; Ryan’s birthday. It’s the difference between two minutes out in the glass viewing box and a full tour that culminates in flying up right next to the Willis Tower and waving to the people in the skyboxes who then wave back. You can read more about our Chicago helicopter experience here.

Lincoln Park Zoo:Worth It

Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the few free attractions of the big options downtown. It has a large variety of the usual animals featured in Zoos and they appear to be well taken care of. Plus, it’s beautiful pond and green space overlook some excellent city views. Visit during the holidays for the addition of zoolights.

Navy Pier: Not Worth It

Navy pier suffers from the big O’s, Overpriced and Overrated. It’s touted as one of Chicago’s big attractions but what is it really? A handful of rides and your average mall stores? Occasional live music and events? Chain restaurants? Sorry Navy Pier but I am so over you and your $20 minimum parking.

Alternative:Museum of Science & Industry

The Museum of Science and Industry is our absolute Favorite of the big Chicago Museums. It is thoroughly interactive and fascinating. Our personal favorite exhibits include the full tornado funnel; indoors and twisting right before your eyes, the prenatal development display showing real fetuses from every stage of development, the real German submarine; the only one in the United States, the simulated coal mine; which is both a ride and an exhibit and the fairy castle; the ultimate doll house. The museum has all the fun you would be hoping Navy Pier to have with it’s amusement rides but instead you are learning and will be sure to find your own favorite exhibits you will want to experience again and again.

Field Museum: Worth It

The Field Museum has artifacts of my two favorite kinds; dinosaurs and ancient Egypt. I know I am not alone in my enthusiasm for these two eras and this is only two of many historical exhibits inside this building which is beautiful in it’s own right. It’s a great presentation of our natural world and also a lovely setting for a wedding reception at night that we were lucky enough to attend.

Cloud Gate:Not Worth It

While Cloud Gate, also known as the bean, is a beautiful piece of architecture, it’s main draw back is that it is literally always surrounded by large crowds of people. Everyone wants to get their picture in the mirrored glass but inevitably it is going to be full of strangers. If you are going to take a stroll through the Millennium Park anyways go ahead and give it a viewing but I wouldn’t go out of your way to visit it.

Alternative: Garfield Park Conservatory

For some truly stunning photos look no further than Garfield Park Conservatory. Another free attraction, donations encouraged. Housing beautiful plants all year round makes it feel warm and tropical no matter when you visit. All the plants, trees, flowers and water features make for an excellent photo backdrop. Overall, a much better place for a beautiful stroll. Less crowded, more beautiful and always great weather inside the greenhouses no matter what a Chicago winter is bringing us. Learn more about our visit here.

Shedd Aquarium: Worth It

The Shedd Aquarium hosts an extensive array of aquatic animals in aquariums displays that can be truly beautiful. You can get right up close to them against the glass or take advantage of opportunities to actually pet the animals such as stingrays and starfish. They also have the aquatic show with the adorable dolphins. Hear more about our visit to the Shedd here.

Magnificent Mile -Not Worth It

Unless you have the funds for a Kardashian level shopping spree you can probably skip shopping on the magnificent mile. Window shopping in expensive designer shops only entertains so far and who needs the scrutiny of those shop clerks who seem to be able to immediately sense whether you are buying or not. They do have some shops more in line with us regular folks like Nike and Express but even those feel like they have jacked the prices up. There are numerous other malls or areas of town with great boutiques if your heart is set on shopping.

Alternative: Boat Tour

Skip the window shopping and gaze out at the windows of all the beautiful architecture in downtown Chicago on a boat tour on the Chicago River. Most of them take off near the start of the magnificent mile and go out into Lake Michigan. Guides will point out the noteworthy buildings and historical sites. Most tours have inside and outside seating making it doable in most weather conditions.

So there you have it. Our list of which Chicago attractions are worth it and which you can skip for a better alternative. So get out there and explore Chicago’s best. We would love to hear whether you agree or disagree in the comments below.